NEET
NEET UG: A Comprehensive Overview
1. Introduction
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET UG is India’s sole medical entrance examination for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH (BAMS, BUMS, BHMS), and other undergraduate medical courses. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), it replaced multiple state and institutional exams (e.g., AIIMS, JIPMER) in 2017, streamlining admissions to over 1,100 medical, 600 Aayush, and dental colleges nationwide. Where about 2 Lakhs students seat has admitted in nationwide. With over 23 lakh annual applicants, NEET UG is one of the world’s most competitive exams.
2. Historical Background
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2013: Introduced to replace the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) and state exams.
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2016: Supreme Court initially stayed NEET but later upheld it as constitutional.
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2019: NEET became mandatory for admissions to AYUSH courses and private/deemed universities.
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2020: NTA introduced NEET UG as a pen-paper test conducted once a year.
3. Eligibility Criteria
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Age: Minimum 17 years as of December 31 of the admission year. No upper age limit (removed in 2023).
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Academic Qualification:
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Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English.
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Minimum marks: 50% (General), 40% (SC/ST/OBC), 45% (PwD).
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Attempts: Unlimited (earlier capped at 3 attempts for General category).
4. Exam Pattern
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Offline (OMR sheet) |
| Duration | 3 hours 20 minutes (200 minutes) |
| Sections | Physics (45 Qs), Chemistry (45 Qs), Biology (90 Qs: Botany + Zoology) |
| Question Type | MCQs (4 options, single correct answer) |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect, 0 for unanswered |
| Total Marks | 720 |
| Languages | 13 languages, including English, Hindi, and regional languages |
Section Breakdown:
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Section A: 35 compulsory questions.
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Section B: 15 questions; attempt any 10.
5. Syllabus
Based on NCERT Class 11–12 curriculum:
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Physics: Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Optics, Modern Physics.
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Chemistry: Organic, Inorganic, Physical Chemistry.
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Biology: Genetics, Ecology, Human Physiology, Plant Anatomy.
6. Preparation Strategies
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NCERT Focus: Master Class 11–12 Biology, Physics, and Chemistry textbooks.
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Reference Books:
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Biology: Trueman’s Biology
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Physics: DC Pandey
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Chemistry: OP Tandon
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Mock Tests: Solve past papers (2013–2025) and NTA-released sample papers.
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Coaching: Institutes like Allen, Aakash, and online platforms (Unacademy, Vedantu).
7. Reservation Policy
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All India Quota (15% seats): SC (15%), ST (7.5%), OBC-NCL (27%), EWS (10%), PwD (5%).
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State Quota (85% seats): Follows state-specific reservations.
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NRI/Management Quota: Up to 15% seats in private colleges.
8. Counseling Process
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All India Quota: Conducted by the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC).
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State Quota: Managed by state authorities.
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Rounds: Four rounds (including mop-up) for seat allocation.
9. Recent Developments (2025)
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Record Applications: ~23 lacs candidates.
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Controversies: Alleged paper leaks, grace marks for time loss, and 67 candidates scoring 720/720.
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Language Options: Expanded to 13 languages to reduce regional barriers.
10. Challenges
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High Competition: <5% admission rate for MBBS seats.
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Rural-Urban Divide: Limited access to coaching and resources for rural students.
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Mental Health: Intense pressure linked to student stress and suicides.
11. Global Recognition
NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian students seeking MBBS abroad (e.g., China, Russia, Ukraine).
12. Conclusion
NEET UG has standardized medical education in India, ensuring merit-based admissions. Despite challenges like inequitable access and exam controversies, it remains pivotal in shaping the future of healthcare professionals. Ongoing reforms, such as digitization and expanded language options, aim to enhance fairness and transparency.